Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of the people regarding handling, storage, and purification of water, in a semi-urban community of Karachi, Pakistan before and after intervention trial. Material and Methods: This KAP study was conducted in Lalabad community located in Bin Qasim Town from October 2007 to December 2007. Forty permanent residents of the area who were willing to participate in the study were sampled through purposive sampling technique and administered a structured questionnaire comprising of 35 questions related to KAP of handling, storage, and purification of water. Questionnaire was filled before and after the provision of safe water supply (taken as intervention in this study) from government stake holder. Results: Out of the 40 participants, 29 (72.5%) were illiterate and 11 (27.5%) could read and write. All participants reported a scarcity of water resources in the community. This study showed that with the minimum level of intervention the overall situation of water supply, storage and safe drinking was improved. The area, showed a reduction in water shortage [P=0.000), improvement in water supply on daily and weekly basis [P=0.000] and in safe drawing of water from container [P=0.000] as well as regular cleaning of water container [P=0.020] after intervention. Conclusion: This study showed improvement in the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding handling, storage, purification and use of water in semi-urban community after the provision of safe water supply. Effective interventions in community regarding their education and empowerment are needed to promote healthy practices particularly water sanitation.

Citation Information

Salima Farooq, Yasmin Parpio, Tazeen S Ali, Nafeesa Dhalvani, et al.. "Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding handling, storage, and purification of water among people living in a semi-urban community before and after the intervention at Karachi, Pakistan" KUST Medical Journal Vol. 3 Iss. 1 (2011) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/tazeen_ali/33/